No comments about Beginning Sculpture.

No comments about The bayonet: A history of knife and sword bayonets, 1850-1970.

No comments about Collecting American 19th Century Silver.

No comments about Carving Realistic Birds.

No comments about Sculpture as Experience.

2 comments about Encyclopedia Anatomica (TASCHEN Icons Series).

1. Stumbled on the Museum La Specola on a trip to Florence about five years ago. The museum, which is primarily a museum of natural history, is run down and dusty. They save these anatomical models for the end of the self-guided tour.
   
   Even covered with dust, they are spectacular. Created towards the end of the 18th Century, they are cut-away wax models of the human body that were used to instruct medical students.
   
   They have been cleaned up for the pictures in this book. The pictures are great -- lots of large full-color pictures of the highest quality, perhaps because the publisher (Taschen) is a publisher of fine art books.
   
   As an aside, I saw a horror movie on TV one night in which one of these models was used as a freshly opened abdomen of a young woman who had been murdered by an evil doctor It looked pretty realistic.
   
   Anyway, buy the book, then go visit the museum when you're in Florence (it's next to the Pitti Palace).
   
   If this page shows it as unavailable, try Encyclopedia Anatomica (Klotz)



2. I ran across this book in a small shop in Rome (wish I had seen it here first) - while the text of my copy is all in Italian (And I don't read Italian) the pictures were enough to sell me on wanting to see the exhibit it represents. It is chalk full of beautiful photographs of the human anatomical exhibit at La Specola, a zoological museum in Florence, Italy - kind of on the strange macabre side, but if you like that, you will love this book. The focus of the human exhibit is a number of incredible 18th century wax sculptures that were done for the study of medicine and strange ailments of the body. As a figure drawing student, I am very interested in learning as much as I can about anatomy - this book has some beautiful artistically well done photographs of these various anatomical structures which are a wonderful study tool for me. Hey, all I can say is that the price was so good and I loved the book enough to buy a couple copies and give one as a gift - and I will add that the price here on Amazon is better than what I paid.

5 comments about Famous Jewelry Collectors.

1. as a collector and wearer of gem stone jewelry, this book caught my attention. the photographs of the collectors and their jewels did not disappint. i would recommend this to any serious jewelry lover.



2. ...for everybody who loves great jewellery.
   
   The books provides both, interesting information about jewellery and gorgeous pictures. It shows the treasure chests of collectors from the aristocracy, society as well as from stars of the stage (both movie and opera). Although I'm particularly interested in noble jewels, it's the mix of collections in this book I really appreciate.
   
   It's always a pleasure to read and look. My book hasn't found yet the way to the bookshelf - it's still right to my hand on the table...



3. I really enjoyed this book, the images are crisp and the text is fascinating. The people in this book live for their jewels and many of them, particularly the Duchess of Windsor, had impeccable taste. Some of the pieces are just stunning, and the background on the collectors is most interesting. I highly recommend this book to anyone with any interest in beautiful jewelry.



4. This book is wonderfull, the jewelry is wonderfull. It renews my faith that at one time people with money DID have some taste. This book is well worth the money spent.



5. An entertaining book with memorable personalities and their world famous baubles. The section on socialities and the nobility is fun to read; especially countess Mona von Bismarck. The incredible story of Poor Little Rich Girl, Barbara Hutton and socialite Daisy Fellowes (she must have been an incredible woman, reading her self-improvement on her nose!). Some of the gems are world famous, like the bejewelled menagerie of the Duchess of Windsor, her cats, her flamingo, her tiger lorgnette etc. All in all, a fun book to read, but not only for lovers of jewellery, but also for people who are interested in royalty, fashion and high society. In short, a nice coffeetable book!

5 comments about Handbuilt Ceramics: Pinching, Coiling, Extruding, Molding, Slip Casting, Slab Work (Lark Ceramics Books).

1. This is a very complex book covering some unconventional ceramic techniques and styles of application for this medium. Lots of information in here that I haven't seen in other books. TONS of beautiful color photos showing various artists' works and a variety of installations, from ornimental to architectural. General basic information on clay formation, glazing formulas, slip-casting, mold relief, kiln operation and firing techniques is included as well. Several illustrative projects included for those who would like to try to replicate some of the design processes described.
   Anyone interested in clay as an art form would definitely enjoy this book!



2. I have only tried pottery once but my husband is experienced - we both think this book is admirably well thought out, concise, useful, but most of all beautiful. Nearly every image she uses for illustration is museum quality work and incredibly inspirational for anybody.
   
   This book is a treat for the eyes and is presented in an easy to follow progression. I dare anybody to not be delighted with this book.



3. As an experienced ceramic artist, it's nice to be reminded, that we are never too old to learn
   In this book Kathy Triplett shares many of her skills, what I also enjoy is seeing the works of some other outstanding ceramic artist
   Honestly, after seeing this book, you will be off to the ceramic supply store, and stocking up on clay & glazes



4. Through setting up, producing simple pieces to attempting more complex projects 'Handbuilt Ceramics' is an excellent guide. There are many examples of simple and basic ceramics pieces for inspiration along with practical advice.Each of the projects has step by step photographs and clear written explanations. I have found it useful and interesting.



5. This is one of the most useful and well-done ceramics books I've found. It strikes a good balance between basic information (i.e., theory) and practical application (in the form of example projects). It has hundreds of good color photos: some of finished work (to stimulate creative ideas), and others showing step-by-step techniques being applied. The text is well-written and full of useful tips.

2 comments about Making Animal Characters In Polymer Clay.

1. I am highly impressed with this book. The format of the book is easy to read. I'd imagine even a beginner would be able to work through it and create a sculpture as well. The photos are very high quality and detailed.

   She supplies tips and suggestions for each project as well as patterns on completing each one in the book.

   It's great for those anthro styled animals from fairy tales and cartoons.




2. The characters are cute and interesting... the Dalmation in turnouts is adorable. The instructions appear to be easy to follow, and the projects are within anyone's reach, even beginners. Original style on new and old themes.

4 comments about Tiffany Silver Flatware 1845-1905.

1. This is the Bible for Tiffany collectors but it also has a history of the purpose of each piece of flatware.



2. For all silver lovers, not just Tiffany lovers. Beautiful book, beautifully produced. Pictures could not be better.



3. This is a terrific book! It covers the complete spectrum of Tiffany silver flatware from 1845 to 1905. It's lavishly illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and original pattern drawings. It covers the full-line patterns, the not-full-line patterns, and the custom patterns made for the likes of the Vanderbilts and the Hearsts.

   The book breaks the patterns down by designer: early pieces by retailers Polhamus, Hebbard, Gorham, Moore and others; the major designers Edward Moore, Charles Grosjean, and Paulding Parnham. It shows the various place pieces in standard patterns, as well as covering the extensive amount of fabulous and rare serving and other odd pieces (how many of you own a scallop serving fork?) There are also several useful appendices, including: Flatware Terminology; Glossary of Technical Terms; Tiffany Flatware Markings; and a Tiffany Chronology. As well, a thorough index makes it easy to find patterns or pieces you are looking for.

   All in all this is the perfect book for the collector of this wonderful silver. It does not contain pricing information, which is a good thing in this day and age of online auctions, as such pricing info is often outdated by the time the book reaches the press. The only problem I had after reading it was that I wanted to own everything in the book! Don't hesitate, buy it!




4. This book is a superb work. The authors have filled a major void in the literature concerning the history of American decorative arts. The quality of the research and textual insights make this book essential reading for anyone interested in Tiffany silverware or the latter 19th century of American craftsmanship. The photography is so magnificent that I repeatedly find myself leafing through this book to admire the beauty of this flatware of a bygone era. A great read...a beautiful coffee table book...a classic in every respect.